Recipe for happiness

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1 Review)
Serves 4+
Takes lifetime of preparation and a lifetime to cook

While there are some things in the world that I am uncertain about - like whether time is actually a human construct or just a clever ploy by clocks to control our lives. One of the things I am certain about is what I want in life, everything I do revolves around this one goal - to be happy.

Happiness is a state of mind that many of us strive for. It's the feeling of contentment, joy, and well-being that brings a sense of fulfillment to our lives (like finding the last slice of pizza at a crowded party, it's a moment of pure delight and satisfaction that you wish could last forever).

I am of the strong belief that our happiest days are not in the past but instead, ahead of us. Yes, my friend Alejandro "Captain of the year 9 Hockey Team" and many others may think our happiest days were when we were younger, back when you didn't have to pay bills or worry about taxes, and your biggest concern was getting to school on time. But let's be real - those were the days when your parents picked out your clothes, and your biggest accomplishment was getting a gold star on your math test.

Even with the subjective nature of happiness and its susceptibility to be influenced by various factors, certain key ingredients can greatly contribute to a happier life. Just like a recipe, these ingredients can be combined in unique ways to create your own happiness. This recipe is one that works for me and is largely a reminder for myself in times of doubt. And although it might not be applicable to everyone, I hope it gives you some actionable steps towards finding your own happiness.

Ingredients

• 5-6 pcs Invest in your today self
• 9 tbsp Invest in your tomorrow self
• 420ML Gratitude (megaliter not milliliter)
• A couple of handfuls of laughter (daily)
• i^2 Accepting all the shit that comes with it

Method

1 Invest in your today self

Building happiness starts in the present.

Last month I talked about investing in the stock market, and to be fair while it gives great returns on invested capital, the greatest investment you could ever make is in yourself. Despite some investments may take time to bear fruit, there are others that can yield immediate results.

Every day, I make it a priority to invest in myself mentally, physically, and often spiritually. Just like a chef uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a delicious meal, I believe that taking care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly forms the foundation of your well-being. I make sure to carve out time for self-care activities that help me feel relaxed and rejuvenated, creating an environment that promotes self-happiness. From wearing sunscreen daily, indulging in magnesium bubble baths (yes, guys can and should take baths!) to enjoying kickboxing sessions or creating cherished memories with friends and family.

One thing I have realised recently is to not work and look forward to the Friday of every week, everyday should feel like a Friday. Don't stop yourself from going out to eat with friends on a Wednesday and have a wine... or two... or even three (know your restraints though 🍷😆!). Life is meant to be lived and cherished in the present moment, and finding joy in everyday experiences can truly contribute to our overall happiness.

2 Invest in your future self

Once you finish chopping up today, stir in some goals for tomorrow.

Investing in your future self are like spices in your dish, adding flavor and complexity - essential for cultivating happiness because it allows you to proactively shape and create the life you desire (unless you like unseasoned chicken then maybe you are not the target audience for this).

One way to invest in your future self is through continuous learning and personal growth. This can involve acquiring new skills, expanding your knowledge, and pursuing meaningful goals. For me, I almost have a "pipeline" of skills I want to learn - right now it is definitely golf, learning Mandarin and website building but in the future I would love to go overseas to study again.

In my opinion, by far the most fulfilling way to invest in your future self is through travel. I have made a personal commitment to travel to a new country every year. Traveling is a remarkable way to broaden horizons, step out of comfort zones, and expose yourself to new cultures and experiences. It's a journey of self-discovery, where you can learn about yourself, gain new perspectives, and create lasting memories.

3 Gratitute

Practice gratitude and let it simmer.

Gratitude is like a secret ingredient in your dish, adding depth and richness. Sometimes, in the pursuit of creating happiness for our future selves, it's easy to lose sight of the wonderful things we have in the present moment. We've all seen it before, we work so hard to provide for our loved ones... only to never be present on our loved ones lives.

Life inevitably comes so fast - remind, and give time to yourself to be to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings and positive aspects of your life, no matter how small they seem. Here are some things that bring me small moments of happiness:

• Giving my mum her kisses everytime I see her
• At the end of a hike I close my eyes and meditate. Thankful for all of the achievements I have made
• Thanking whoever the higher being up there for the support system I have - I have a supportive family, awesome partner and great friends

Focusing on the positive things in your life can help shift your mindset and improve your overall outlook.

4 Just laugh

Even the fake ones turn out good in the end (not applicable to flatulence).

There is a reason why Laugh is one of the legendary tenets of the beach home (Live, Love, Laugh... or Laugh, love, live... or Love, Laugh, Live.... you get it).

When we laugh, our brain releases endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. I find that laughter promotes social bonding, strengthens relationships, and fosters a sense of connection and belonging. It can provide perspective, help us cope with challenges, and bring joy to even the toughest situations. Laughter is a form of self-care, a natural stress-reliever, and a powerful tool for boosting our overall happiness and well-being.

There is no hard and fast rule... Actually there is - never spend a day without laughing. Even when I don't feel like laughing, I force myself to laugh and 60 per cent of the time it 100 per cent turns into real laughter.

5 Accepting the shit days

Life isn't perfect and even when everything goes right... somethings you can't control...

The shit days will come...

Oh well :)

Conclusion

Bone apple tit

Just as a chef combines different flavors and textures to create a masterful dish, happiness requires a thoughtful combination of ingredients that resonate with our own values and aspirations. My recipe and ingredients for finding moments of happiness in my life are what work for me.

I am keen to hear about your perspective, what ingredients work for you?